1.5 - the nature of salvation

• nature of salvation

  • needed to restore relationship with god and have an eternal life with him in heaven
  • perfect relationship with god was broken by adam and eve, which led to everyone being born with original sin, as well as their own sins
  • all christians believe that salvation brings god's grace (strength to be good and holy)
• role of jesus in salvation

  • when jesus died on the cross, his death paid the price for human sins, and gave them the chance of salvation
  • jesus' death atones for human sins - lets them reconcile with god and fixes the relationship between humans and god
• catholic and orthodox christians

  • salvation comes from receiving sacraments such as baptism, confession, eucharist or leading a christian life
  • they believe that jesus died as a sacrifice out of love, to make 'satisfaction' for human sins
• evangelicals


  • salvation comes from faith in the atoning death of christ, by taking jesus as lord and saviour (personally accepting that jesus is the lord and saviour)
  • they believe that god's justice required a price to be paid for human sin (punishment)
  • god punished himself through the death of christ who acted as a substitute for all of humanity (protestant penal substitution theory)
• liberals


  • salvation comes from living a christian life and following jesus' teachings and examples
  • they believe that jesus brought atonement through his moral example and love for humanity
• importance of salvation

  • without salvation there can be no real relationship with god
  • without salvation, a person's sins will prevent them from entering heaven (sins not forgiven, wont enter heaven)
  • the only way to gain salvation from sin was through the death of god's son